We recently connected with Sam Saldivar and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sam, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
One of the first things I realized when beginning my business Radiate Rest, is that in order to help others find deep rest and ease within themselves, I must find it within myself first. I not only conceptually understood the importance of rest practices, but I felt a calling to rest deep in my body. My nervous system and mental health were suffering after exiting a toxic work environment. And like many times in my life when I have faced hardship I pivoted and grew, but I also chose to take my time lingering and enjoying the liminal space of change. To practice slowness and ease as a lifestyle. From this time of sacred pause, I was able to tap deeply into my creativity and resiliency. I have held strong to this core belief of balance and abundance in life. That to be my best, I need to first show up to care for my needs on a daily basis. This dedication to a consistent rest practice radically shifted my life. Not only did I have more energy, but I also tapped into a well spring of compassion, patience, joy, and creativity within. This wasn’t an overnight process, but months of showing myself care and comfort consistently in order to heal and grow. Some of my favorite ways to practice self-care are with naps, reading, gardening, and cooking the food I grow. If it feels impossible to find time for YOU, start by scheduling in leisure weekly or even daily. You deserve rest and care, even when the to-do list isn’t finished. Because spoiler, if you wait for it to be done, you will never rest.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My mission is simple, to share the gift of deep rest with as many people as possible. Imagine for a moment a world where everyone was well rested. A world where sleeping 8+ hours a night and afternoons naps were the norm, not a luxury. A world in which we co-regulate our nervous systems through systems of collective care. A world in which we free ourselves from the chains of hustle culture and embrace a life of slowness, ease, joy, and compassion.
Rest is revolutionary. Rest is resistance against systems which want to keep us exhausted and burnt out.
Radiate Rest is bringing the magic of Sacred Rest (rest as a deeply healing spiritual practice) to as many people as possible. You don’t have to believe in the magic of Sacred Rest to experience its benefits though. All you have to do is nothing. Lay down. Rest your eyes. Dream.
In order to bring this work to as many people as possible, I have diversified my offerings. If you just want to begin to explore these practices on your own then you can explore my online library of Yoga & Rest videos. For those who live in the Orange County area I offer weekly classes, monthly workshops, and quarterly trainings. And finally for those ready to completely immerse themselves in the rhythm of rest I have a Yoga, Rest, Adventure, Retreat coming up in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, October 12-19. Where you can immerse yourself in mindful yoga, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty as you discover inner peace and connect with like-minded souls in this eco-friendly oasis. Expect to fuel your curiosity and sense of adventure with a range of activities from jungle treks to ocean exploration.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Studying the nervous system. When you begin to understand the nervous system, how it responds to stimuli, and how to consciously down regulate, it provides a scientific lens in which to understand the power of deep rest. You don’t have to study the nervous system to feel the effects in your body. Next time you are feeling anxiety, stress, or overwhelm lay down somewhere you can be still, quiet, dark, and warm for 20 mins. Allow yourself to get comfortable. And then just begin to notice and name the sensations of comfort.
2. Patience. In todays society we want everything to happen FAST, but speed isn’t always better. Slowing down and getting comfortable with the in-between has helped me to find contentment in where I am at NOW. And trust that I am headed where I meant to be. All will work out as intended in its own time.
3. Self-Study. Understanding myself, who I am, how I think and feel, and what I want. This understanding of self has helped me to build a brand and business which is truly aligned with my soul.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I live by the 80 / 20 rule. There are things in life which we naturally excel at and things that we struggle with. We are all unique and perfectly imperfect. When we deny our natural gifts or interests in pursuit of something else, we are denying ourselves and the world of the very special thing we have to offer. However, that doesn’t mean we can totally ignore the things which are hard for us or we don’t enjoy. Which is where the 80 / 20 rule comes in. We should try to spend 80% of our time and energy on things which we are good at, which feel natural and easeful. The other 20% of our time and energy is for the things that are more challenging or we aren’t as naturally inclined towards.
For example, I enjoy the creative process of creating brand and marketing materials. My favorite is to just get on Canva and let my creativity run wild. I love to create beautiful and unique materials which embody the unique nature of my work. On the other hand, I feel my shoulders tense just saying the word…. accounting *shudders*. So when working with others I always try to offer extra support on the artistic materials, and partner with others who are more naturally inclined and interested in numbers. However, I also know the importance of KNOWING my numbers and understanding P&L’s, so I make sure I can always contribute to and review when it comes to accounting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radiaterest.com
- Instagram: @radiaterest
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